Product Review: Casio CDP-S110 – Portable Piano

This digital piano surprises with its excellent keyboard. Its predecessor, the CDP-S100, was already considered to have the best keyboard in its price range, making this compact portable piano an insider’s tip as a MIDI studio controller. But first and foremost, the Casio CDP-S110 is an affordable digital piano for beginners.

“It doesn’t have to be the best model to start with”–a common argument, and while there is some truth to it, beginners shouldn’t make the mistake of just buying the cheapest no-name piano. After all, learning to play an instrument is all about fun and motivation.

Good playability is particularly important, and Casio’s CDP-S110 puts this right at the top of the list. External devices connected via USB can also improve the sound—but one step at a time.

The New CDP Series

Casio has introduced three new models in its slim series: In addition to the CDP-S110, there is the CDP-S160, which is very similar to the former but features some significant additions. There is also the CDP-S360, a digital piano with an arranger function, which replaces the CDP-S350.

You can find out more about the differences in the ‘Compare’ section below. All models share the same compact and lightweight plastic body, available in black, white, or red. These slim pianos are ideal for those with little or no room for a digital piano. Weighing in at around 10kg, the Casio CDP-S110 is so light and handy that you can easily stow it away in a cupboard if needed.

88-Key Hammer Action

Despite its compact size, you don’t have to sacrifice the essentials when learning or playing piano: a velocity-sensitive keyboard with real piano keys and Scaled Hammer Action II. All CDP models feature keys with a synthetic ebony/ivory finish with a great feel—neither too slippery nor too dull. This makes it a truly outstanding option in the 400 Euro price range!

As the keys have a pleasant counterweight, this model is also an excellent choice for advanced players looking for a convenient stage piano for small gigs—read more below.

Sound and Sound Generation

The CDP-S110’s 64-note polyphony makes it clear that beginners are its primary target audience. However, the piano sound is solid, allowing for dynamic playing that’s more than sufficient for learning and practicing, with a nicely balanced tone. Other sounds, such as electric pianos and strings, are enjoyable extras. Combined with the layering function, they make playing even more fun.

The sound of the built-in speakers is somewhat limited, likely due to the compact size of the case. However, this is common for instruments in this price range.

Of course, if you’re looking for more, you’ll need to invest in a higher-end model. Alternatively, you can connect to external devices. An iPad or iPhone, for example, allows you to use affordable piano apps that greatly improve sound quality.

Check out our video review to see how well the CDP-S110’s keyboard performs with apps like Pure Piano and Korg Module Pro.

Casio CDP-S110 & Apps

With the exception of the CDP-S360, the CDP series has very few physical controls. As is common in this price range, the keyboard doubles as a control interface, which is easy to navigate thanks to the functions printed on the keys.

However, using the free ‘Casio Music Space’ app is much more convenient. Available for iOS and Android devices, it connects to the piano via USB. Note that an Apple Camera Connection Kit or an OTG adapter for Android devices is required to use this feature. You can also use the audio input on the Casio CDP-S110 with a mini-jack cable to transmit audio from your smartphone or tablet to the piano’s speakers.

Conclusion: High-Quality, Compact & Affordable

A big plus is the high-quality hammer-action keyboard, which is unparalleled in this price range in terms of playability and ebony/ivory keytops. While the simple controls are typical for this price range, Casio offers a handy and free upgrade with the piano app “Chordana Play for Piano”, which brings much more comfort.

Like its predecessor, the CDP-S110 scores well as a beginner’s piano. The keyboard also makes this compact piano interesting for anyone looking for an affordable piano master keyboard for their MIDI studio. Keep in mind: The CDP-S110 only comes with a simple foot switch, so you should plan on getting a decent sustain pedal right away.

Casio CDP-S110 – Overview

Release date: 02.2022
Keyboard: 88 keys, Smart Scaled Hammer Action II, dual sensor system
Polyphony: 64 voices
Includes: Power supply, music stand, foot switch
Piano-App: Casio Music Space (free, iOS/Android)
Manufacturer/Distributor: Casio

Casio CDP-S110 in Comparison

CDP-S110 vs. CDP-S160: The CDP-S110 is the smaller of the two models. While the matching Casio CS-46 P stand is optional here, it is already included with its bigger brother, the CDP-S160. The latter also comes with a triple pedal unit, which is not available on the CDP-S110 due to the lack of a connector. With the CDP-S110, you should also plan on getting a decent sustain pedal. Otherwise, the CDP-S110 and CDP-S160 are identical.

CDP-S110 vs. CDP-360: The CDP-S360 offers a much wider range of functions. As an electric piano with an arranger function, it offers many more sounds, an automatic accompaniment function with styles from different genres, a correspondingly higher polyphony of 128 voices, and a more elaborate control panel with an LC display.